After an unexpected surge in bookings for its 2026 sailings to Japan, Windstar Cruises has decided to open its bookings for spring 2027 earlier than expected. The move comes after the cruise line’s announcement of its 2026 Grand Japan itineraries aboard the new Star Seeker in June 2024 generated near sell-out levels of interest within months. “The combination of our return to … [Read more...]
Windstar Opens Bookings for 2027 Japan Sailings Early Due to Near Sell-Out of 2026 Cruises
Windstar Cruises has experienced an unprecedented demand for its 2026 sailings in Japan aboard its newest ship Star Seeker, which joins the small ship company’s fleet in December of 2025. In response, Windstar is now opening up spring 2027 bookings for Japan earlier than planned, and adding an extra fall date, in order to meet customers’ requests for more bookable sailings in this coveted region. … [Read more...]
Celebrity Cruises Opens 115-Night Grand Voyage for Sale, Introduces Wave Season Promotions
The 115-night Celebrity Cruises Grand Voyage, calling on 58 destinations across 15 countries, went on sale today for the first time. This is among the big news from Celebrity as the brand is heading into Wave season by unveiling one of its biggest sales yet. Starting today, guests can save up to 75% on their second guest, with additional savings of up to $600 per sailing. From holiday gifting to … [Read more...]
Award-Winning Private Island Cruise Destination Renamed ‘RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay’ in Support of Enhancement and Expansion
Half Moon Cay, the highly-rated and award-winning exclusive destination known for beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters in The Bahamas, is being renamed “RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay” in support of its enhancements and the experience guests can expect as they are immersed in this tropical paradise. The announcement was made today jointly by Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line. The two … [Read more...]
Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. Appoints Natalya Leahy As CEO, Rick Goldberg As CFO. Founder and CEO Sven-Olof Lindblad to Become Co-Chair of Board and Interim CFO Dyson Dryden to Retain Board Director Position
Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc., a global leader of expedition cruises and adventure travel experiences, today announced two key executive appointments: Natalya Leahy will join as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective Jan. 1, 2025, and Rick Goldberg has been appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective Dec. 31, 2024. “As Lindblad Expeditions moves into its 46th year, I am delighted … [Read more...]
Windstar Cruises Opens 2027 Japan Cruise Bookings Earlier Than Planned
Sarah Bretz, ContributorSarah has been writing about the cruise industry since 2015, and in that time has taken a dozen cruises and counting. Her favorite onboard activities include trying the casual dining options, spending time in the spa’s thermal suite, and attending the love & marriage show. You can keep up with her on Instagram at @IAmSarahJaneB.See all author posts Source: … [Read more...]
Cruise Critic Names the Top Cruise Lines of the Year in 2024’s ‘Best in Cruise Awards’
Cruise Critic has named the winners of its 16th annual cruise awards in its new Cruise Critic Best in Cruise Awards – naming the best cruise lines and destinations of the year, based on expert insight and traveler ratings. This year’s awards are the site’s most comprehensive to-date, combining the highly coveted editor-selected awards with the site’s popular consumer-led Cruisers’ Choice awards, … [Read more...]
Carnival is revamping its private island to better compete with Royal Caribbean's offering
Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas has become the standard all other cruise lines compare their beach days to, and it's clear Carnival is taking notice.Ever since Royal Caribbean overhauled CocoCay, it seemed to leap all the other private islands by going well beyond a beach and BBQ lunch offering.Carnival announced on Tuesday its plans to upgrade Half Moon Cay, which is shared with … [Read more...]
Galveston Hits Milestone With 1.5-Millionth Cruise Passenger
A vacationer from Louisiana became the 1.5-millionth cruise guest to transit the Port of Galveston in 2024, as the growing port careens toward welcoming a record 1.6 million cruise guests before the year turns. On December 6, 2024, the port received Katrular Buchanan and her family, hailing from Amite, Louisiana, at Cruise Terminal 28, where they were ready to board Disney Cruise Line’s Disney … [Read more...]
Half Moon Cay Renamed to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay
Half Moon Cay in The Bahamas will be renamed RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, to reflect recent enhancements announced by Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line. “Holland America guests have loved Half Moon Cay for its natural beauty since it opened as a port of call in 1997,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line. “The south side of the island, where Holland America has … [Read more...]
Virgin Voyages Breaks Booking Records With a 300% Increase
Black Friday sales historically cause a frenzy, but Virgin Voyages discovered just how many holiday shoppers were chasing deals after Thanksgiving when it saw its highest booking day in its 10-year history. The adults-only cruise line announced Black Friday sales, which took place on November 29, 2024, broke its booking records. Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday, December 2 and 3, respectively, … [Read more...]
Carnival and Holland America to Rename Half Moon Cay, Add New Venues & a Pier
Sarah Bretz, ContributorSarah has been writing about the cruise industry since 2015, and in that time has taken a dozen cruises and counting. Her favorite onboard activities include trying the casual dining options, spending time in the spa’s thermal suite, and attending the love & marriage show. You can keep up with her on Instagram at @IAmSarahJaneB.See all author posts Source: … [Read more...]
Carnival Cruise Line Renames Half Moon Cay, Details Major Expansion
As cruise lines put more and more investment into their private island destinations, a focus on specific types of experiences can be a great way to attract guests and entice them to book sailings. Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line are working together and have now announced a new name for Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas. The island will now be known as RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, … [Read more...]
Carnival Renames Private Island, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay Ahead of Expansion
Carnival Corporation is renaming one of their private islands in The Bahamas ahead of a massive enhancements and expansion. Half Moon Cay, an award winning private island from Holland America Line, will now be known as RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. The announcement was made by both Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line. The two sister cruise lines are partnering on the enhancements … [Read more...]
I’ve Sailed with 7 Other Cruise Lines; Here’s What I Thought of My First Princess Cruise
Sarah Bretz, ContributorSarah has been writing about the cruise industry since 2015, and in that time has taken a dozen cruises and counting. Her favorite onboard activities include trying the casual dining options, spending time in the spa’s thermal suite, and attending the love & marriage show. You can keep up with her on Instagram at @IAmSarahJaneB.See all author posts Source: … [Read more...]
Cruise Line Suspends Unique Dining Experience on Four Ships
Hot Rocks, a popular cook-your-own meat or seafood dining option, has been temporarily shut down due to unspecified technical issues on four Silversea Cruises’ ships. The unique, BBQ-style meat preparation was offered on nine vessels operated by the luxury line. The experience allows guests to choose a cut of raw beef, such as filet mignon, prime rib, and strip steak, or lamb chops or … [Read more...]
The Port of Galveston Hits Cruise Passenger Milestone For 2024
Sarah Bretz, ContributorSarah has been writing about the cruise industry since 2015, and in that time has taken a dozen cruises and counting. Her favorite onboard activities include trying the casual dining options, spending time in the spa’s thermal suite, and attending the love & marriage show. You can keep up with her on Instagram at @IAmSarahJaneB.See all author posts Source: … [Read more...]
Royal Caribbean Suite Perks: Is It Worth Upgrading?
Cruise vacations can be a time to spoil yourself, but you also have to consider your budget. When it comes to add-ons and upgrades, Royal Caribbean’s suite perks can be well worth the added costs for guests who seek exclusive amenities, priority access, and extra comforts that can elevate the whole experience. From priority boarding to luxurious suite amenities and exclusive lounges, Royal … [Read more...]
I stayed in an inside cabin for 5 nights on a cruise ship. The lack of natural light made was worse than I expected
When you can go on a cruise for cheap, it's difficult to find many faults, but there are some downsides to a low-cost sailing in an inside cabin.Thanks to an amazing offer from Royal Caribbean's casino, I was able to go on a 5-night cruise to Mexico for just $200 in an inside cabin.There's no doubt it was a fantastic value, but I missed having a view and easy access to the outdoors more than I … [Read more...]
Must-Do Shore Tours in St. Thomas & St. John: Discover the U.S. Virgin Islands!
Join Bill Panoff as he explores the stunning islands of St. John and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Discover the vibrant culture and rich history of St. Thomas alongside the pristine natural beauty and serene landscapes of St. John. This journey showcases the unique charm of both islands, making them must-visit destinations for your Caribbean getaway. Source: Porthole.com … [Read more...]